FCT Minister, AMAC Chairman mourn death of FCT Head of Service

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed her deepest sympathy over the death of the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who passed away in the early Monday, September 1, 2025.

Mahmoud described the late Head of Service as a distinguished administrator, a seasoned technocrat, and a dedicated servant of the people who gave her best in the discharge of her duties with utmost professionalism, humility, and commitment.

The Minister, in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, described Adayilo’s demise as a huge loss, not only to the FCT Administration but also to the nation at large.

“I received with great shock and deep sadness the news of the sudden passing of the Federal Capital Territory Head of Service, Pst. Mrs. Grace Adayilo.

“This is indeed a painful loss, not only to the entire FCT Administration, but also to the public service and the nation at large. The late Head of Service was a distinguished administrator, a seasoned technocrat, and a dedicated servant of the people who gave her best in the discharge of her duties with utmost professionalism, humility, and commitment

“Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, especially at this critical time when her wealth of experience and wisdom were most needed to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, colleagues, and the entire staff of the Administration. May Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“May her memory continue to inspire a life of selfless service and dedication to our dear nation.” The statement reads in parts

Similarly, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, had described her death as a profound loss to the FCT and the Nigerian civil service.

AMAC Chairman, in a condolence message on behalf of the council, extended sympathies to Adayilo’s family, friends, and the entire FCT community.

He hailed her as a trailblazer, noting that her appointment by President Bola Tinubu on October 6, 2024, as the first FCT indigene to serve as Head of Service, brought honor and distinction to the civil service.

“Mrs. Adayilo made history as both the first Head of Service and the first woman to occupy the position, bringing distinction and pride to her office,” the statement noted, adding that her leadership and dedication to duty will be deeply missed.

Before her elevation to the Head of Service, Adayilo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she was lauded for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of FCT residents. Her legacy of service, according to AMAC, will continue to inspire generations of public servants.

AMAC further called on residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large to honour Mrs. Adayilo’s memory through continued service to humanity.

“May Almighty God replenish the FCT with individuals of her caliber, who possess the same level of dedication, passion, and leadership, to fill the gap her passing has created,” the council stated.